What chemical peel is best for African American skin? (photo)

Our treatments use combination therapy to improve the epidermis and dermis. We see atrophic and hypertrophic scars, as well as scars that have hypo and hyperpigmentation. Our main concern is rebuilding collagen and that is why we use a HIDEF protocol that includes combination therapy. Morpheus 8, scar subcision, fibrous release, fractional laser, CO2 laser, Thulium laser, PDL Vbeam laser, and fractional resurfacing can be used in addition to TCA Cross and chemical peels to further improve skin. Patients should start Melarase AM and Melarase PM for active hyperpigmentation. Always begin with a consultation to discuss the best treatment options for your type of skin. .

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Thank you for your question. There are plenty of great doctors and surgeons in New York City so please consult with a board certified facial plastic surgeon to determine the correct peel for you based upon your skin type, health profile, condition and desired result.

Best wishes,

I have personally been using superficial peels containing full strength glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and Jessner's solution in people of color for over three decades in my Upper East Side Manhattan practice. They can yield quite gratifying results, especially if combined with the regular use of at-home, prescription strength agents (such as hydroquinone, or arbutin, kojic acid and glycyrrhizic acid), when used to treat a host of dyspigmentation problems, including melasma and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (such as post-acne skin blotchiness). Be sure to consult with a board certified aethetic physician. Best of luck

We perform the VI peel in my clinic, which contains trichloroacetic, salicylic, and retinoids acid. It is a medium depth peel. We provide different strengths, depending on the patient and the results desired. It can be performed on  most skin types, including patients with darker skin. 

A Retinol Peel is a peel that we offer at my practice which is ideal for treating unwanted pigmentation on darker skin types. This peel is highly effective but non-invasive and will reveal a brighter, more even complexion. The procedure is quick and easy - only about 10 minutes in the office. Following the peel, your skin will look tight and refreshed and around the end of day 2 it will begin peeling and continue to peel for the next 3 or so days. Peeling will never be severe - your skin will never become raw and most people feel comfortable to go out in public during this time. Once the peeling has subsided, you will notice a reduction in hyperpigmentation as well as tighter and brighter looking skin. We consistently see great results on our patients with the Retinol Peel but it is a particular favorite for treating those with darker skin tones who cannot be as easily treated with lasers.

There are many different bleaching agents and types of chemical peels from Glycolic Acid Peels to Trichloroacetic Acid peels.  Please consult an expert in darker skin types to avoid any side effects.  Best, Dr. Green

Dear ebony11:  There are a number of peels appropriate for AfroAmerican skin with the issues you describe. If you would like a superficial peel with no downtime at all you might want to have one or several #RefinityPeel, with 70% glycolic acid. Side effects with this peel are prevented by the addition of the antiinflammatory strontium nitrate, and it does not sting during the peel.     If you want a peel that will exfoliate your skin more quickly and don't mind some fine scaling for about two days starting two days after the peel, you might wish to have a 20 or 30% #BetaPeel with salicylic acid.  If you are willing to have some downtime, with more significant peeling occurring as sheets of thin scale beginning the day after the peel and lasting for about three days, you will want to have a medium-depth peel with one of the #ViPeels.  This will achieve the results you are looking for more quickly, and probably with just one peel.  I hope this is helpful!  Dr. Clark